Egypt, Jordan stress ‘Jerusalem is untouchable’

CAIRO – 1 April 2018: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed Sunday with his Jordanian counterpart the recent developments in the Palestinian territory and Syria. The two foreign ministers stressed the importance of the Arab unity behind the Egyptian leadership which engaged in a war against terrorism, stressing that the Qatari policies do not agree with the Arab unified vision.

Shoukry affirmed that the Qatari policies do not agree with the Arab view regarding the anti-terrorism war. He emphasized that countering terrorism is topping the Arab countries’ priorities as terrorism killed dozens of martyrs from the military, police and civilians.

The Jordanian foreign minister stressed that the Arab League’s summit will be held on April 15 in Riyadh, without further delay. He revealed that the summit, which was supposed to be in March, was delayed once for logistic reasons.

Jerusalem is untouchable

Egypt’s Shoukry demanded the international community to bear the responsibility of the Palestinian situation, saying, “The international community must have a sense of responsibility towards the Palestinians.”

In a press conference, following a closed meeting on Sunday, with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman al-Safadi in Cairo, Shoukry described the Palestinian issue as the "Arab central cause".

“Solving the Palestinian issue will bring stability to our region,” Shoukry added. He manifested that Palestinians must take their legitimate rights.

He stressed that both Egypt and Jordan have been always supporting the Palestinians’ right to achieve peace and establish an independent Palestinian state whose capital is Jerusalem.

The Israeli aggression does not seek a comprehensive peace solution, Safadi said. He noted that the absence of solutions to the Palestinian issue will keep conflicts in the region. “Jerusalem remains a red line. We reject any recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.”

Safadi praises the 2018 presidential election

Safadi praised the 2018 presidential election in Egypt which took place between March 26 and 28. He stressed that the Cairo-Amman relationship is strong and both countries face similar challenges.

For the Egyptian community in Jordan, Safadi affirmed the Egyptian workers have received well treatment in his country, stressing that they are working in their “second homeland”.

“Egypt’s war against terrorism is highly backed by the Jordanian leadership. Egypt’s victory over terrorism is Jordan’s victory,” Safadi noted.

Jordan received over 1 million Syrian refugees

“A potential development is expected to stop the deterioration of humanitarian circumstances in Eastern Ghouta,” Safadi added. He indicated that the de-escalation zone has resulted in the best ceasefire agreement so far.

Safadi clarified that Jordan received more than one million Syrian refugees, but his country will not be able to bear more burdens. He revealed that Jordan will cooperate with the U.S. and Russia to guarantee the de-escalation in Southern Syria.